Winter 2004 - the YMCA of Greater Cleveland

Winter 2004
150th
Anniversary Issue
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland
Link
Connecting members,contributors & friends.
Celebrating the
YMCA
of Greater
Cleveland’s
Rich History
For the past century-and-a-half, the
YMCA of Greater Cleveland has been
instrumental in initiating and sponsoring
many of the community organizations and
groups that exist in the city today.
The YMCA played a significant role in establishing many of Cleveland’s first
playgrounds, the Children’s Aid Society, the county’s first Juvenile Court,
Cleveland’s first Boy Scout troop, the Cleveland Community Fund, which is
now the United Way, and Fenn College, now Cleveland State University.
In 2004, the YMCA is celebrating 150 years of service to Cleveland by
exploring the rich history that we share with the community and its people.
From the two-room office on Public Square where the YMCA was born to
the current organization with a downtown headquarters, 13 branches and
full-time camp facility, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland has provided many
generations of Clevelanders with a positive place to promote the balanced
development of spirit, mind and body.
Glenn Haley, former director of community and
movement leadership for the YMCA of the USA in
Chicago, assumed the role of chief executive
officer of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland in the
early part of January. Haley brings to Cleveland
many years of service to the YMCA, with a strong
understanding of its mission.
New YMCA of
Greater Cleveland
CEO Takes Office
“We are pleased and proud to bring such a
talented leader to our community,” Don Strang III,
chairman of the board of YMCA of Greater
Cleveland, said. “Glenn’s ideas, strong leadership
skills and depth of understanding of our goals and
objectives made him the clear choice of our
board. We look forward to introducing Glenn to
our members and supporters, and to working with
him as he takes the reins of our association during
our 150th anniversary of service to Cleveland.”
Haley joined Y-USA in November 1999 as
director of the Strong Communities Agenda. In
that role, Haley assisted local YMCA associations
across the country by providing leadership in
community issues vital to the YMCA mission.
Haley has been instrumental in the development of
policies, strategies and programs to attract, retain
and promote a diverse YMCA workforce and
volunteer corps. Most recently, he directed the
planning of the YMCA of the USA 150th
anniversary celebration and conference in
Washington, D.C., honoring the founding of the
Anthony Bowen YMCA and
150 years of African-
American service in the
YMCA.
YMCA Establishes in Cleveland
In its early life, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland emphasized evangelism and
moral reform, but as industrialization, immigration and urbanization started
to change the face of Cleveland, the YMCA interpreted its mission more
broadly.The Cleveland YMCA became one of the first in the country to
become involved in more civic-minded projects, including housing, living
Continued on center spread
Glenn Haley,
Chief Executive Officer
of the YMCA of
Greater Cleveland

Scholarship
Brings Success
Strong Kids
Campaign
Underway
Over the past 150 years, scholarships provided through
the YMCA of Greater Cleveland have enriched the lives
of many who could not otherwise afford a membership.
Unique to the YMCA is the central theme that making
our programs and facilities open to all encourages our
mission of building strong kids, strong families and
strong communities. Many that have had this opportunity
through the YMCA over the years have found success
and reward.
Miles Family YMCA member Mary Scott says that the
YMCA has helped her through her most difficult
struggles – a heart attack in 1997 and hip replacement
surgery in 2003.
“The water exercises and sauna lessen
my pain and increase flexibility,” she
said. “But the biggest help comes after
class when we close in prayer. The
YMCA is part of my community.”
Southeast Family YMCA member David Love turned to
the YMCA after years of struggling on low income and
poor living conditions. Branch membership director
Sandy Roberts connected David to a more positive way
of life that would keep him focused on the challenges of
success by creating a plan that made membership
affordable. He has since doubled his salary and reestablished
a relationship with his family.
“Sandy has shown such compassion and
caring in her efforts to get me connected
to the Southeast YMCA,” David said.
“She did not judge, but offered solutions
to my needs. Her trust and faith in me
have made me believe that there are
people in this world with big hearts.”
Others have found success through programs sponsored
by the YMCA, such as Sam Woodfolk’s Amateur Athletic
Union (AAU) basketball team. Each spring, Sam coaches a
traveling boys basketball team comprised of high school
sophomores and juniors.The team travels around the
region competing against some of the toughest
competition, often in front of hundreds of college
coaches and scouts. The YMCA of Greater Cleveland
supports this basketball team by providing entry fees for
the tournaments, uniforms, equipment and practice
facilities. In return, boys that otherwise could not afford
such a program have the opportunity to increase their
chances of receiving an athletic scholarship for college.
James Ford Rhodes junior Delaney Williams, who plays
point guard for the team, said that the experience has
been a fun and exciting opportunity. And even though
he doesn’t know where he will attend college, this
upcoming season will provide the opportunity for scouts
around the country to see his athletic ability. Last year,
the team won all but one of the tournaments they
entered and qualified for the national tournament.
At the YMCA, one of our most important goals is to enrich the
lives of kids in our community – your community – through
programs and activities that offer children the chance to build
character, strength and confidence.A large part of this goal is
ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in
YMCA activities regardless of financial status.The YMCA is able
to offer this thanks to the support of local contributions to our
annual support campaigns.
The 2004 support campaign, which kicked off Feb. 29, is entitled
the Strong Kids Campaign to emphasize the YMCA’s mission of
building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. The
money raised is used toward scholarships for children and their
families, seniors and program participants who otherwise could
not afford YMCA memberships or programs. It also supports
Child Care,Teen Court, Day Camp and Minority Achievers, a new
program designed to provide mentors for teens in the Cleveland
public school system.
How you can get involved
Many volunteers are needed to help raise funds for this cause.
You can get involved with your local branch campaign by
contacting the branch executive director or any staff member. If
you cannot volunteer your time, we hope that you will consider
a gift to this year’s historic 150th year campaign. Many children
in your neighborhood and throughout the Greater Cleveland
community will benefit.
Here is what your gift will provide for the
children in your community:
$ 25 teaches a child the importance of water safety and
education in YMCA Swim Lessons
$ 100 enables two children to develop sportsmanship and
character in seasonal youth sports leagues
$ 250 provides a child with a full week of outdoor education
at our residence camp
$ 500 assists a single parent by providing six weeks of YMCA
Child Care
YMCA Seeks Host Families for
International Counselors
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland recognizes the importance of
providing our children, members and staff with opportunities to learn
about other cultures, celebrating our similarities and understanding our
differences. As part of this, the YMCA hosts international summer
camp counselors and staff to assist with programming and to work
with children at the Centerville Mills Camp and various branch
locations throughout Greater Cleveland.
While the international students who work as camp counselors at
Centerville Mills are housed on site, there is a need for host families to
provide food and lodging for the students working at the YMCA
branches. For nine weeks, host families share their family life and
American culture with the students, providing them an opportunity to
explore the Cleveland area.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a
host family, call Bob Calsin at 216.344.0095, ext. 6833.
Y Link, page 2

GLAD!
to Beat the
Winter Blues
By Mike Merk, Executive Director, Program Development
If you find your mood grows darker as the days
grow shorter, you are not alone. Many of us start to feel depressed during
the cold, dreary winter months, continuing this way until the spring.
The negative mood swing may be a result of Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD), a type of serious winter depression affecting an estimated 10 million
Americans, the vast majority of which are women. For the most part,
however, the majority of us are affected by the milder “winter blues”.
Symptoms include lack of energy, increased need for sleep, irritability,
sadness, cravings for sweet and starchy foods, and weight gain. If you are
experiencing these symptoms, try the following GLAD steps to beat the
blues:
GET OUTSIDE
Put on your coat, hat, boots and gloves, and head outside –
leaving your sunglasses behind. Light entering your eye stimulates
important neurotransmitters in your brain that can enhance your
mood. Try getting outside for 30-60 minutes each day. Even if the sky
is overcast, outdoor light is the best source to lighten your mood.
LET THE LIGHT SHINE IN
Open the shades, drapes and curtains to allow the sun’s rays to fill your
home or office. Rearrange your furniture so chairs and couches are near
the windows allowing you to bask in the light.
STAY ACTIVE
Daily exercise can have a tremendous impact on your mood, especially if
you can go for a hike. Performing regular exercise can also help eliminate
or minimize the weight gain that often accompanies the winter blues. A
rejuvenating bout of exercise is a great way to shake the doldrums.
Congratulations
to the following YMCA
members who are
winners of the
Cleveland Handball
Club Tournament:
Open Doubles:
Mario Dolciato
Open Singles:
Bruce Frankenfield
C Doubles:
Brett Aber and
Eric Forman
C Singles:
Carlos Vasquez
50 and Over:
Rocco Dociato
60 and Over Singles:
Jim Milan and
Tony Meconi
from the Akron
YMCA
70 and Over Doubles:
Ken Schley and
Frank Reid
DON’T ISOLATE YOURSELF
Although the snow and ice can sometimes make it difficult to leave the
house, it is very important to visit family and friends during the winter. Look
to your family and friends for support.
Because other medical conditions can cause depressive symptoms,
self-diagnosis or -treatment of SAD is not recommended. Visit a health
professional if the GLAD steps do not seem to help.
A big thank you to the Borders
Outlet in North Olmsted for their
holiday donation to the YMCA of
Greater Cleveland. The store collected
more than $600 in donations from
customers, which enabled the YMCA
to purchase 466 new books for our
preschool and after-school programs.
In addition, the Borders in Westlake
donated The Treasury of Children’s
Poetry and The Treasury of Children’s
Literature to the YMCA.
Family Movie Night – Over 650 members and program
participants gathered Nov. 7, 2003, at branches across the
Greater Cleveland area for a private showing of the movie
Sinbad. Family Movie Night, sponsored by Masterfoods USA,
maker of M&Ms and Skittles candies, encouraged families to
enjoy time together and watch a family flick with America’s
favorite snack foods.
Breakfast with Santa – Santa Claus gave the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and
area children an early holiday gift when he appeared at various Applebee’s in
Northeast Ohio on Dec. 6, 2003. Thanks to the various donations made by
customers and visitors, Santa and Applebee’s raised more than $8,500 to support
the YMCA’s scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to those who
cannot afford membership.
Y Link, page 3

Continued from front cover
Celebrating the
YMCA
Rich History
of Greater
Cleveland’s
conditions, family relationships and serving soldiers
returning from war. After World War II, with the
explosion of Cleveland’s outlying suburbs, the YMCA
launched an unprecedented building campaign and
erected 12 new branches in a span of four years. It
collaborated with the YWCA for decades, finally
welcoming women into its membership in 1975.
Appealing to the Boys
By the late 1890s, the YMCA began to focus much of its
attention on the plight of young boys. Programs geared
towards boys such as educational classes, bible classes,
boys’ meetings and anti-cigarette campaigns, began to
appear in every branch. In 1913, the YMCA declared that
“any new branch created in any part of the city would be
designed primarily for boys up to the age of 21 years.”
These efforts helped to establish programs like Hi-Y, which
encouraged clean speech, clean athletics, clean living and
service to the community, and Indian Guides, which
brought hundreds of fathers and sons together through
role-playing and community activities.
Cleveland Indians great Larry Doby,
the first black player in the American
League, gives two boys from the
Cedar YMCA an autograph in 1949.
This historic structure, on the site
of the current West Side YMCA,
was the first YMCA in the country
dedicated solely to work with
boys ages 12-18. It began in
operation in November 1901.
The YMCA’s first stand-alone building was
located on the north side of Public Square
where Key Bank now stands.
Early Locations
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland rented space in a
number of different locations from 1854 until 1870,
when it moved into its own space on the north side
of Public Square, a site now occupied by Key Bank. In
an age of growing industrial development,YMCA
branches served as moral oases in the midst of what
many individuals increasingly saw as a corrupting
urban environment. Parents who saw their sons leave
farms and villages to seek their fortunes in the city
hoped they would seek out a YMCA and avail
themselves of its wholesome environment.
The Cedar YMCA’s Board
of Directors in 1939 at a
joint reception for the
outgoing and incoming
executive secretaries.
During the times of the Great Depression, the YMCA developed
programs to provide support for needy boys by creating the “Forward
Movement” to encourage better-off citizens to “Back a Boy” or
“Back a Young Man.” Through this program, memberships were
provided to many who could not afford it.
Camping Comes Along
Camping at the YMCA began informally in 1899 with the
establishment of the Forest Lodge nestled in a glen beyond
East Cleveland. It grew to include many sites around the
area, the most famous and still existing is Centerville Mills
camp in Bainbridge. Countless friends and lifelong
memories were made at YMCA camps over the years.When
attendance declined in the mid-1960s, the YMCA sold most
of its camping facilities and developed innovations like Y
Sports Fitness Camps and Day Camps.
YMCA of Greater Cleveland Mission
To promote the balanced development of spirit, mind and body and to put Christian principles
into practice to strengthen families, neighborhoods and the Greater Cleveland community.
YMCA of Greater Cleveland services are for people of all faiths, races, ages and incomes.
Financial assistance is available for YMCA programs and membership.

YMCA and Race
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland recognized the need to actively
work against segregation and so established an experimental branch
for both blacks and whites at Cedar. White resistance slowly made
the branch and its surrounding neighborhood all-black, but it still
served as an important social hub in the community and often
provided one of the few places that men of color could go without
enduring the demeaning exclusion of other public facilities. By the
mid-1920s, black and white boys often attended camp together, but
few blacks even tried to become members at other YMCAs than
Cedar. The Glenville Area
Council decided to take a
stand against this in 1947
and opened the first
unabashedly interracial
branch in Cleveland,
which opened the doors
for blacks to join other
branches.
James Hogan acts as mock starter for a group of
seasoned YMCA runners. Pictured, from left to right, are
Syd Meadow, William Cumler, Tony Dill, Marvin Beach
and Rev. Werner Jurgens. Meadow and Cumler shared a
passion for running so intense that in the summer of
1967 they built a running track on the roof of the Central
YMCA dubbed the “Brotherhood Track.” Over the next
ten years, well over 100 members ran a thousand miles
or more on its surface.
Pictured above is the mill
and falls at Centerville Mills
camp in 1925. Though it had
long served as an historic
landmark, the mill was
deemed unsafe and torn
down in 1931.
Sports and Fitness
Lenny Buttitta (in white T-shirt) providing
scuba training to Cleveland’s Ports and Harbor
police. Buttitta, who taught swimming for
more than 40 years, was one of the first
people in the country to become nationally
certified in “skin diving.”
By the late 19th century, with the industrial revolution in full
swing, men increasingly found themselves working at jobs
requiring less physical exertion.The YMCA emerged as one of
the few places in the city for men to participate in physical
exercise.The YMCA’s first gymnasium, which opened in 1881,
was housed in a building at 64 Euclid Avenue.YMCAs began
developing programs to enhance physical development as well
as social interaction.The programs gained national recognition in
the 1940s and ’50s, boasting one of the country’s largest, liveliest
and most diverse programs.
Link
for more information and to
sign up for classes or services, call
(216) 566-YMCA

Ask
THE
EXPERT
How Can I Prepare My Child for
Overnight Camp?
By Casey Porter, Program Director,
Centerville Mills Camp
Camp is a great place for children to discover more
about themselves and the world.Overnight camp’s
unique environment can enhance your child’s social
skills,increase self-esteem,develop self-confidence,
introduce different goals and help make new
friends.But staying overnight in a strange and
unfamiliar place can sometimes frighten children
who aren’t used to being away from home.How
can you best prepare your child for overnight camp?
Every child is different and unique in how he or she handles the feelings of
separation from home. If your child has bags packed for a friend’s sleepover two
weeks prior to the party, he probably is ready for an overnight camp. However, if
your child is not thrilled by the idea of going away from home for a weekend with
grandparents, there are a few ways you can help prepare for a summer camp
experience.
Let your child understand that going away to camp is an opportunity to learn and
grow. Many kids have the wrong idea that they are missing out on exciting activities
at home while they are away at camp.
Talk to your child about the benefits of camp and the exciting activities camp has
to offer. Let your child help make decisions about packing and which camp
program to attend. If your child feels a part of the decision-making process, the
chances for a positive experience will increase.
Talk about homesick feelings before sending your child to
camp. Brainstorm ideas that may make your child feel
more comfortable in a new setting such as bringing a
favorite stuffed toy along or writing letters home.
Finally, express your confidence in your child’s ability to
take care of him/herself while away from home.
Camp is an opportunity for children to experience a
healthy, successful separation that is part of the growing
process.
Parents and children can explore camp
program options together, check out facilities
and meet camp staff during two open houses
scheduled at Centerville Mills on April 4 and
May 2, from 1 to 3 p.m.
For more information,
please contact the Centerville Mills
Camp at 440.543.8184.
YMCA of
Greater Cleveland
Healthy Kids
Day Clinic
with the Cleveland
Cavaliers
Sunday, April 10, 2004
at Gund Arena
Clinic:1-4 p.m. at Gund Arena
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat at 7:30 p.m.
Participant Admission: $17.50 (Includes clinic sponsored
by the National Basketball Academy, $20 game ticket
and $5 food/beverage voucher.)
To order tickets, pick up an order form from your local
branch or call Bryan Ralston at The Cavaliers,
216.420.2472, by March 26, 2004.
Y Link, page 6

IN THESpotlight
YMCA Day Camp:
A Summer of Fun,
Friendship and Memories
By Pat Armstrong, Child Care Coordinator
Registration for all
camps begins in
March. Contact your
local branch for more
information.
Whether they’re swimming, working on crafts, studying the environment or dancing,
the YMCA of Greater Cleveland’s camp programs provide your child with a safe and
friendly environment to explore the summer months while emphasizing the core
values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
A variety of programs are available in the Greater Cleveland area:
YMCA Licensed
Child Care
Summer Camp
YMCA Licensed Child Care Summer Camp is more than just child care. Programs for
children ages 3-14 offer weekly themes, morning and afternoon snacks, swimming
activities and regular field trip excursions from the center. Program hours are
convenient for working parents, and county voucher subsidies are accepted.All
programs are licensed through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Centerville Mills
YMCA Camp
Day camp programs at Centerville Mills are held 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the camp site
located in Geauga County for youths ages 5-14. Under the guidance of our enthusiastic
and well-trained staff brought in from around the world, campers experience days
filled with age-appropriate fun and learning while they develop new physical, mental,
social and spiritual skills.Activities include archery, nature study, hiking, arts and crafts,
campfires, canoeing, swimming, sports, horseback riding and fishing.
Horse Day Camp
From the budding horse enthusiast to the more experienced rider, boys and girls ages
7-14 will be instructed in western horseback riding, horse care and general horse
education at a level appropriate to their current knowledge and experience. Campers
will also enjoy many traditional camp activities.
Voyager Day
Camp
Boys and girls ages 7-14 are invited to experience three fun-filled days of camping,
biking, rock climbing and hiking.Voyagers will have the opportunity to explore and
practice leadership skills and grow through personal and group challenges.
Specialty Camps
Specialty camps are held on a periodic basis, including soccer, swim and baseball
camps. Contact Centerville Mills Camp for more information.
Hillcrest YMCA
Day Camp
The Hillcrest Family YMCA summer day camp, formerly held at Meadow Ridge Farm in
Geauga County, has relocated to Centerville Mills Camp.This ACA-accredited program
provides children ages 6-12 with an opportunity to enjoy themselves in an outdoor
setting. Children are transported by bus from the Hillcrest YMCA to Centerville Mills
Camp for an “old-fashioned” camp experience.Activities include canoeing, arts and
crafts, hiking, swimming, fishing and sports combined with weekly field trips.
Leaders Club
This nationally recognized program provides teens ages 13-17 with the opportunity to
interact with the community while developing lifetime skills and building self-esteem.
Through scheduled field trips, teens will develop leadership skills and use their
interests and hobbies to help plan a day for one of the YMCA’s programs.
Sports Camp
YMCA branches offer a variety of choices for the sports enthusiast to learn and perfect
his/her skills.The full-day, one-week camps are available for children ages 6-12.
Y Link, page 7

For locations, contact phone numbers or additional information,
please call 216-566-YMCA or visit www.ymcacleveland.org.
March
Monday, March 1
Spring Horseback Riding Lessons
begin – Centerville Mills YMCA Camp
Thursday, March 4
Senior Luncheon – Monthly senior
social for members and program
participants – 11:30 a.m., Euclid
Family YMCA
Tuesday, March 9
Family Horse Trail Ride Season begins
– Centerville Mills YMCA Camp
Sunday, March 14
Spaghetti Dinner, 6-8 p.m. – West Side
Family YMCA
April
Thursday, April 1
Senior Luncheon – Monthly senior
social for members and program
participants – 11:30 a.m., Euclid
Family YMCA
Saturday, April 3
Healthy Kids Day – At participating
Branches – Check your local branch
for information
Sunday, April 4
Centerville Mills Camp Open House,
1-3 p.m. – Come check out the
facilities and summer programs
Saturday, April 10
Healthy Kids Day Clinic with
Cleveland Cavaliers, 1-4 p.m.
Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat at 7:30 p.m.,
Gund Arena – Participant Admission:
$17.50 (See ad on page 6.)
Monday, April 12 –
Friday, April 16
Spring Fun Days – When school is
out, the Y is in – Kids ages 5-12 –
West Shore Family YMCA
Thursday, April 15
Beat the Tax Blues – Bring a friend to
a group exercise class – Euclid
Family YMCA
May
Sunday, May 2
Centerville Mills Camp Open House,
1-3 p.m. – Come check out the
facilities and summer programs
Thursday, May 6
Senior Luncheon – Monthly senior
social for members and program
participants – 11:30 a.m., Euclid
Family YMCA
Tuesday, May 18
Euclid Business Day Expo – Members
and friends display products and
services – All day, Euclid Family
YMCA
May 29 – 31
Memorial Day Family Camp Weekend
– Centerville Mills YMCA Camp
Family Fun Day at West Park Family
YMCA – Watch the branch for details
YMCA of Greater Cleveland
Metropolitan Office
2200 Prospect Avenue, Suite 900
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-344-0095
www.ymcacleveland.org
Mr. John Q. Sample
Street Address 1
Street Address 2
City, ST 00000-0000
A Time To
Celebrate!
Our history, a new CEO,
stronger kids, families
and communities!